Speech #670402869

It will permit fathers. mothers. brothers. and sisters of American citizens to enter the United States under proper bond and restrictions. There Is serious danger that the bill will fall to pass. The House Committee on Immigration and Naturalization on February 15 reported the measure with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. and it is expected that a special rule for the consideration of the bill may be reported and passed early next week. The House amendment Is a general immigration bill. It is a carefully workedout method for silplifying and making practicable the principle of limiting immigration by quota. It classifies Immigrants into two general groupsquota and nonquotaand provides for the issuance of certificates of Immigration intended to prevent confusion resulting almost every year in exceeding the quota and in hardship to many aliens who are anxious to be admitted to the United States. While the provisions In the House amendment relating to nonquota immigrants would permit the admission of some refugees provided for in the Senate bill. the terms of the amendment are believed to be so restrictive as to exclude many Armenians who would be permitted to enter under tile Senate bill. With the end of the session near at hand. with business in both Houses of Congress greatly congested. and with the ship subsidy bill before the Senate under conditions known to exist. it is likely that if the House persists In Its amendment all legislation will fail. This would be a calamity. The correct course would seem to be to pass the Senate bill with amendments relevant to its provisions. and they relate to the relief of refugees. In all probability they can be disposed of without objection in either House. if the subject can only be brought before the House for action. The general subject of imuigration is of importance. It does require consideration and action. but there are such conflicting views respecting it that little probability exists that a general immigration bill can be passed prior to March 4. It would be pitiable. almost criminal. in view of the conditions in Smyrna. to fail to take some action for the protection or relief of these unfortunate people. There has been brought to my attention by Mr.